Enthrall Climax

by Vanessa Fewings

  Once, we had shut them down.

  We’d managed it remotely so that our names were not involved. Though now, I was about to step into the center of the hive. Hillenbrand had risen from the ashes and membership had become a fiercely guarded secret.

  As my fingertips caressed my brow, the realization hit me: Helete probably supplied them with submissives. Maybe that was her connection?

  “Let me get you something to eat,” Shay offered softly.

  I had no interest in food. “You can eat something.”

  “How about a drink?”

  “Water, maybe.”

  He motioned for the stewardess. “Two waters, please.” Then he turned back to me. “Do you regret it?”

  I stirred from my melancholy. “What?”

  “Omani? Refusing her offer?”

  “No.”

  “What do you think will happen to her?”

  I shrugged. “Whatever she wants.”

  “You surprise me.”

  “I do?”

  “A lot of the time, actually.”

  “I like to keep things interesting.”

  “What did you tell Henry?”

  “That one of us should remain stateside in case Mia turned up there.”

  Back at JFK he’d wanted to board with us…

  “Listen to me,” I held him by the shoulders. “Henry, you can’t go where I’m going. That place…those people are dangerous.”

  “I can’t bear to think of her there.”

  “If anyone can escape, Mia can.”

  “You should call the FBI.”

  “If I do that there will be a price on my head from that moment on. The members of this house are more powerful than you can imagine. They’ll come after me, and you, and our entire family. I have this, Henry. I’ll bring her home.”

  Leaving Henry behind at the airport had been the only sensible move I’d made these past two weeks. I’d sent him to the penthouse.

  “Hey?” Shay stirred me from my daydream. “Mia’s strong.”

  “I know.”

  He rose and turned to sit beside me. “I’m not landing backwards.”

  I forced a smile to comfort him. He’d apologized to me throughout the entire flight, beating himself up for letting this happen. He’d refused to let me take the blame. But I took responsibility for it all, wallowing in guilt and self-hatred.

  The question I was pondering right now was how I would deal with Helete in the future. She had friends who would protect her. Maybe there’d never be an opportunity for revenge, maybe all we’d have is a life full of memories, having left ourselves vulnerable.

  I couldn’t see how this would end.

  Shay leaned forward. “We still don’t have an address, Cole.”

  He was right. We’d be landing in Paris with no destination.

  “Are you sure you don’t regret us not…you know, with Omani.” He threw his arms up. “She was practically begging for it.”

  “I promised I’d keep her safe. Keep the bastards at bay.” I turned my gaze to those dark clouds.

  “I can’t believe she refused to tell us the address,” he huffed.

  Turbulence hit, causing the plane to shudder, but I barely noticed.

  “For God’s sake, Cole, you’re saving that girl from that place. She owes you.”

  “Omani owes me nothing.” I held his stare. “She’s scared. And she has every reason to be.”

  HE SHOULDN’T HAVE COME AFTER her.

  Those eerie words of Galina’s kept running through my mind.

  This had to have everything to do with that damn cake and Cameron and Helete playing games with each other. She hadn’t liked Cam visiting her club…maybe that was it.

  Trying to steel myself against what was to come, I huddled in the backseat of the car and attempted to calm my chaotic thoughts.

  We drove for what felt like an hour and though it was useless trying to remember our entire route, I took mental photographs of landmarks like church steeples and quaint stores.

  Nausea welled up in me as we swerved along twisty country lanes surrounded by lush green trees and tall hedges on either side that made me feel claustrophobic. Oncoming cars zoomed by way too close.

  Finally, to my left, a sweeping field opened up to reveal rows of grapevines stretching all the way to the horizon. The beauty of it wrecked my heart because it reminded me of my father’s vineyard in Napa Valley, the place where he had denied he even knew me.

  That experience had left me so wounded that I’d been vulnerable to the men of Chrysalis.

  No, don’t do this…

  Cameron and Richard were the only ones who truly understood me, who were kind to me. Despite all their kinkiness they were good men. It was fear that was making me question everything.

  Cameron had saved me that day at the vineyard, too. He’d whisked me off to some exclusive hotel with Richard and Lotte and they’d all comforted me, trying to help me forget the nightmare of that disastrous reunion.

  My chest hurt from the agony of missing Cameron. His reassuring smile always soothed and his strong arms had made me feel safe. His words of comfort had made things better when my day had gone south.

  All those worries felt trivial now.

  Helete had powerful friends, because I’d landed in a country without facing a customs officer. This didn’t seem possible with the heightened security present at every airport. What if these people were transporting weapons, or drugs, or even women? The thought of human trafficking was too horrifying to ponder.

  This kind of favor came from men in power, the kind with access to traffic control towers and private jets. This was the pull of someone in European politics with an interest in a certain lifestyle that meant he had secrets to hide.

  Every time a car came toward us I cringed. I’d never get used to driving along such small lanes.

  Focusing on what I could control, I memorized our chauffeur. He had a scar on his chin and a boxer’s nose that proved he wasn’t adverse to a fight. His tweed jacket and corduroy trousers making him look like he’d tried to dress up for the day. He’d wanted to impress the Russian lady.

  On a hilltop in the distance rose an intimidating white manor with cathedral spires peeking over a wall. It seemed like we were heading toward it.

  I thought of how isolated the place was, and shivered.

  Sizable trees arched over a long road and ended at a wide wooden gate that swung open to let us pass through. The car idled outside the front door of the enormous manor. Ivy crawled up the exterior and across the arched windows.

  My door was flung open.

  “Out,” ordered a rugged-looking man.

  Galina wrapped her hand around my arm and led me toward the house.

  “Do what they say. Understand?”

  “I’m not staying.” I eyed the men behind us.

  “Listen,” she snapped. “Tell Cameron I had no choice.”

  “Fuck off.” I tried to pull away and she dug her fingernails into my arm.

  “You can’t say no to people like this.”

  My forearms prickled and my chest tightened as I tried to breathe through a haze of denial. I knew how to find this woman again. It would be through Helete. I only hoped Cameron had figured out what had happened to me by now. I hoped he would be able to find me here.

  “Don’t mention Cameron’s name.” She gave me a thin smile.

  “Why?”

  “That’s me being kind, Mia.”

  “Kind?” I repeated bitterly.

  “If you try to run they’ll torture you.” She grabbed the iron handle shaped like a bear.

  My focus shot to what lay ahead.

  Peering through the open doorway, I saw dark wooden floorboards, soft lighting, and antique furniture. Just by the sweeping staircase stood three men, all of them dressed smartly in suits. They looked wealthy and this meant they had the kind of authority that could keep me here indefinitely.

  They stopped talking with each other and
turned to stare at us as we entered the foyer. Galina’s grip burned my arm.

  More faces to memorize—they were menacing, despite their striking features. Their sharp eyes roamed over me, assessing, deliberating, as though they’d been expecting us.

  It was late here, maybe 2:00 A.M.

  The idea of not mentioning Cameron to these people brought on a fresh wave of panic. Surely he was the kind of person who would wield power or have some influence here. Doubt crept in and I wasn’t sure if anything this woman told me could be trusted.

  Back in New York, Cameron had followed my movements everywhere; the danger was ever present.

  Scouring the vast foyer, I considered making a break for it as I breathed in the scent of expensive cologne mixed with the aroma of rosemary and garlic. The sound of plates and pans clanking to my left drew my attention, and I peered through a door into an old-fashioned kitchen. A long table sat in the center with benches along each side. I could see dishes and glasses had been left over from a meal. More men were in there, around twenty maybe, and their cheery conversation contradicted the sinister mood out here.

  “Is Lucas here?” asked Galina.

  I tried to recall where I’d heard that name.

  She addressed the men. “Let him know we’re here.”

  “You’re not settling her in?” asked the man with a crew cut.

  “I have to catch a plane.” She glanced my way. “Remember what I told you. Do not defy them.”

  “Good advice!” The loud voice came from above.

  We stared up at the man walking along the balcony. When he reached the stairs he paused for a moment. A Doberman appeared by his side.

  Galina visibly trembled.

  The tall figure began his descent toward us. Just a few days ago he’d approached Cameron in The Ritz, after we’d had dinner there. Cameron had sent me to the car so we hadn’t been formally introduced. Later, when I’d finally gotten Cameron to open up about who this man was, he’d shared why he’d wanted me out of there.

  He was the reason.

  “Where am I?” My voice shook…because I knew.

  Don’t scream…don’t scream.

  Two of the men manhandled me toward the foot of the staircase. I refused to look at the dog that had followed him down.

  My gaze rose to meet his grey eyes and then roamed over his familiar, distinguished features, and that salt and pepper hair. He was Lucas Chastain…the man who moved in dangerous circles.

  Galina had brought me into the most dangerous place our society knew. I remembered that warning from Cameron spoken in the back of the car…

  “Add a touch of sinister and throw in a dash of nefarious and congratulations, your cocktail is laced with the potency that is Hillenbrand.”

  “I want to go home,” I stuttered.

  “Is she legal?” asked Lucas, and then his expression changed to recognition. “Where do I know you from?”

  I swallowed hard, unsure whether to tell him.

  Lucas’s cold glare found Galina. “Explain.”

  “She’s a gift from Helete.” Galina stepped back. “I have to go.”

  Those emotionless grey eyes fell on me again. “Does her master know?”

  Galina looked confused. “You are her master.”

  “Are you trying my patience?” His voice was deep and refined. His accent was South African, maybe?

  “I do not know what you mean.” She looked terrified.

  Galina wouldn’t know this man had seen me with Cameron. He’d know I was connected to him and some minor research on his part would confirm our relationship.

  Lucas’s heavy-lidded gaze swept up and down my body. “No one touches her.”

  “Sir?” asked one of the men. “House rules.”

  “She belongs to all of you,” added Galina. “House rules.”

  Lucas moved swiftly, gripping Galina by the throat. She flinched in pain, eyes bulging, but she didn’t move.

  Lucas’s voice rose. “Do not tell me how to run my house.” He released her.

  Galina’s lips trembled. “I do not know what I was thinking. Forgive me, Master Chastain. I am your humble servant.”

  “It will please me if you stay awhile. Entertain us.”

  “Helete ordered me straight home.”

  He turned to the men. “Film it. So I can enjoy it later.”

  Galina was escorted away. When I looked back she was gone.

  The men holding me gripped my wrists tighter and I cried out. “There’s been a mistake. I’m not meant to be here.”

  “Well, you’re here now,” he said. “It is no small feat getting in.”

  “I was kidnapped,” I burst out. “Brought here against my will. You must let me go.”

  I’d exposed Galina for the wretched women she was, but I could see no other choice.

  Lucas’s eyes closed for a moment, as though my panic gave him pleasure. “Is that so?”

  I gave a wary nod.

  He scratched the back of his head. “We should let you go then. Help you get home.”

  “Thank you.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Bathe her. Then bring her to my room.” He tucked his hands into his pockets. “If you’ll excuse me.”

  “You need to let me go!”

  He tilted his head as he stared at his men. “Why are you still here?”

  I was dragged up the staircase and into a spacious bedroom. My legs weakened when I saw bars on the windows.

  One of the men, the one with a crew cut, remained in the bathroom with me. “Take off your clothes and get in.” He pointed to the shower.

  “Get out first,” I snapped.

  “Don’t make this harder on yourself.”

  “I’m not meant to be here.” I watched him lock the door. “Please, can you help me? I need to get a message to my family. They’ll be worried.”

  “Didn’t you see Lucas’s anger when Galina defied him?” his tone was even. “Now, if you don’t want the same fate, get in.”

  Blinking in confusion, I couldn’t move, couldn’t think, and couldn’t fathom how anyone would let this place exist.

  He raised his arms in frustration. “You are dead to the world. You no longer exist. You belong to Hillenbrand.”

  “If you lay one finger on me…” I pointed at him.

  “If I return you to him like this—” He gestured his disgust. “Lucas will kill us both.”

  “Why are there bars on the windows?”

  “Why do you think?”

  “Danton?” I realized.

  “I don’t know who he is. No one gets in or out now without Lucas’s permission.”

  I hugged myself and turned my back on him, ready to kick him if he came any closer. My mind splintered and I tried to wrestle with the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.

  After my shower, I was told to dress in a black lace bra and panties that had been placed on the bed. I was ordered to style my hair so it fell over my shoulders. My dress was taken away; that beautiful Elie Tahari was the last piece of my old life.

  “How’s it going?”Cameron sought me out in a Bloomingdales fitting room.

  “I thought you were in the Disney Store?”

  His gaze swept over the Elie Tahari I was trying on. “I love that on you. I’m buying it.”

  “How did you find me?”

  “Spidy senses.” He winked.

  “What were you doing in the Disney Store?”

  He beamed at me. “You know, checking it out for future visits with our kids.”

  I ran into his arms, laughing.

  All I wanted was to pull him close to me.

  They took my boots away, too, and I was made to walk barefoot. If they thought this would prevent me from running they were dead wrong.

  When Crew Cut seemed happy enough with my new appearance, he led me out toward the staircase and I fixed my gaze on the front door as we descended.

  “The last sub who tried to escape had her pinky finger cut off,” he said flatl
y.

  I tried to read the expression on his face. “Where are you taking me?”

  “To the boss.” He led me down a hallway.

  I was shoved into an office and he left me there with instructions not to touch anything. My gaze roamed around the room, taking in all that dark wood and fancy furniture. The antique furnishings would fit just as well in an old church; though there was nothing spiritual here.

  Chastain strolled in. “How did Philip treat you?”

  “Why do you care?”

  His brows narrowed as he considered me.

  “I don’t want to be watched in the shower.”

  He walked with a grace that contradicted his menacing presence, turning to lean back against the table with his hands shoved into his pants pockets. “Okay.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Of course.”

  “Are you going to hurt me?”

  “I’m undecided.”

  I tried to hide my fear. “This is all a misunderstanding. I’m sorry for any confusion.”

  “Apology accepted.”

  “When can I leave?”

  He looked thoughtful. “You were having dinner with Cameron Cole? At the Ritz?”

  I gave a wary nod.

  “Your connection?”

  Turning around so he didn’t read my expression, I strolled briskly toward the bookcase and reached for an old tome. I flicked through the pages, looking at photos of Africa.

  “You like elephants?” He peered over my shoulder.

  “Doesn’t everyone?”

  “Some men like to hunt them.”

  “They’re evil.” I stared up at him realizing he might be a hunter.

  “I own a safari park. Its main purpose is conservation.”

  I exhaled. “That makes you a hero.”

  “Or just an animal lover.”

  “What’s your dog’s name?”

  “Pascal.”

  “I love dogs, too.”

  He reached for an envelope on the desk and peered down at it. “I have your contract.”

  I shook my head. “I’m not signing anything.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m Cameron Cole’s fiancée.” I held his stare to make sure he believed me.